Information for Employers

Could your business benefit from a bright and enthusiastic physics undergraduate this summer? At no salary cost to you? As part of the SEPnet Summer Internship scheme, we'll fully sponsor a physics undergraduate student of your choice to conduct research or complete a project as work experience for a period of eight weeks during their summer break.

A win-win situation

Simply provide a description of your placement. Then, if your project is chosen by the SEPnet board, you're able to choose your preferred applicant(s) to interview. Based on a selection process by the SEPnet board, the funds are awarded directly to the successful students.

How it works

Please register your placement description here no later than 5pm on 27th January 2012
The SEPnet board will review the proposed placements, and then select 30 for students to apply for, based upon academic merit and the potential to gain commercial awareness and soft skills such as communication and teamwork (any information you include as to how students will develop these will increase your chances of success)
From 13th February 2012, the details will be advertised to eligible students through the SEPnet website and physics departments at six SEPnet universities
From 13th February to 27th April 2012 , interested students respond directly by sending their CV for supervisors to invite for interview (including non-term time over Easter)
Supervisors inform us of the successful student by 14th May 2012
Studentships take place from June to September, although specific start and finish dates are mutually decided between you and the student
Whilst you won't be required to provide a salary or payment, you must abide by agreed terms and conditions

If you'd like more information, please don't hesitate to contact us via email at summerplacements@sepnet.ac.uk or on 01273 877 588.

Summer Scheme FAQs

Do I have to pay the student?

No, SEPnet pays the student.

What if the student or supervisor has booked a holiday in the middle of the summer?

The period of work is mutually agreed by you and the student. All we ask is that the student is with you for eight weeks in total. If you wish to schedule a break, just let us know.

I'd like to host a student but a block of eight weeks over the summer doesn't suit me. Can we make alternative arrangements?

Yes. The standard placement is eight weeks in the Summer, however if you have a requirement for an alternative structure (for example half a day per week for six months and three weeks over Easter) then we will be happy to consider it, providing the total amount of work is equivalent to eight weeks.

What happens if I'd like to keep the student on for more work after the eight weeks?

SEPnet funding is only available for eight weeks, so please arrange an alternative method of payment for any additional time they spend at your company.

What if there are any problems?

SEPnet strives to ensure that the scheme works well for the companies and students involved. However, as issues are sometimes unavoidable, we conduct a site visit during the placement to ensure that everything is going smoothly. We also offer pastoral care to the student if needed, in addition to the support of your own Human Resources department.